Per most NBA games, a fan was pulled out the crowd to take a shot between periods of the Miami Heat’s home game against the Detroit Pistons. In this instance, it was part of a contest sponsored by LeBron James' foundation.

Fifty-year-old computer technician Michael Drysch from McHenry, Ill., grabbed the ball, cocked back and put in a hook shot from halfcourt to win $75,000. The shot had barely set in before James jumped the fan and celebrated with him on the court of AmericanAirlines Arena.

"Nice way to meet somebody," Drysch said. "I can't believe it."

The long shot was a long shot, especially given Drysch's shooting form.

"When he wound up I was like, 'Oh no, there's no way,'" James said. "When it dropped, that was awesome. I would have probably air-balled that one in that situation."

Drysch said he practiced the shot and made "maybe 1 percent."

"That was crazy," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "The place erupted. It was like it was when we won the finals."

Coach Erik Spoelstra was drawing up a play in front of the Heat bench when Drysch sank his shot.

"I heard the eruption, and I turned and I saw LeBron absolutely tackle him," Spoelstra said.

"I had no idea what was going on. That fan, while he'll love the $75,000, having that on video — LeBron James tackling you at half court in front of 20,000 — I think will be the longer-lasting memory."